Chapter 779 The Real and Fake Marquis of Pingxi

A Ming sat on the ground, the things around him having been mostly cleared away.

The blind man walked over, an orange in his hand, which he peeled and ate himself.

A Ming raised his head and looked at the blind man.

The blind man pointed to the ground with his finger and said, "Don't you mind it being dirty?"

What about the cute cleanliness of the Blood Clan?

A Ming didn't say anything.

The blind man walked over and gently nudged A Ming's back with his knee:

"Alright, alright."

"Where's the master?"

"He went back."

"Back to Fengxin?"

"Back to Zhennanguan. Gongsun Zhi has already gone after him to the west, and Gong Wang has also been ordered to go. It's not a big problem."

At least, there won't be any problems in Fengxin City.

"I really don't want to talk to you right now," A Ming said.

"That leaves me speechless. I'm such an easy person to talk to."

A Ming nodded,

And said:

"If I told you again that I was just a little bit away from killing Nian Yao, you'd say I'm like Xianglin Sao."

"I wouldn't say that."

"You'd think that."

"Right."

"If I told you that I wanted to assassinate Nian Yao now, you'd say I'm impulsive and my brain is filled with blood."

"You're still very weak," the blind man comforted him.

"You can't empathize."

"But I can sympathize rationally. The master is angry because he saw Nian Yao's contempt for him, plus those deliberately created... ways of dying;

But you,

You don't care about these people,

What you care about is the wine jar, the human swine;

Actually, Nian Yao wanted to provoke the master, not you.

Maybe, in his eyes, you're just a...妖精 (yao jing) (demoness) who almost killed him?"

"Are you saying that I'm just being self-righteous with my anger?"

"If anger had to be rational, this world would be too harmonious. He touched your anger, your real anger, I understand.

It's like there are many places in this world with the custom of drowning babies, and there are even more who abandon and abuse them, but Mo Wan wouldn't care;

But if it's in front of Mo Wan..."

A Ming stood up.

"Where are you going?"

"Talking to you is really boring. Do you think you're a narrator, analyzing my psychology for someone to listen to?"

"Sometimes people don't understand what they're thinking, and just instinctively immerse themselves in their emotions."

"Get out of here."

"I can leave, but where are you going? I don't recommend you go find Nian Yao alone. First of all, he's in the west, and someone is already chasing him. If they catch him, they catch him. If they don't... they don't.

It's like the master was on the Wangjiang River last time. It just so happened that a couple of Jianghu (martial world) experts were idle and ran into him.

But that's just one chance, and you've already missed it."

"Shut up."

A Ming stopped a wheelbarrow carrying a corpse, signaling the soldier pushing the cart to leave. The soldier acknowledged and walked away.

Then, A Ming pushed the corpse into a tent on the side. Inside the tent, corpses were neatly arranged. After their identities were verified, they would be cremated, and their families, whether civilians or auxiliary soldiers, would receive the corresponding level of compensation.

The blind man followed him in.

A Ming lowered his head and bit the corpse's neck in front of him.

It wasn't a fresh corpse. After a long time, even just half a day, the taste would be very bad.

The blind man had never drunk blood, but he had heard A Ming talk a lot about the art of tasting blood before.

"What are you doing?"

"Recovering sooner," A Ming raised his head and replied, "First use their blood, recover as much as I can, and finally, avenge them."

"You don't have to explain this to me."

"I'm afraid you'll tell the master."

"It wasn't me who said it."

"Who was it then?"

"Alright, it was me."

The blind man shook his head, "You rest, and go back to Zhennanguan yourself in a while."

A Ming didn't answer, changed corpses, and bit down.

The blind man walked out of the tent,

Took out another orange, peeling it as he walked.

…

"Master."

Liang Cheng entered the commander's tent.

"Nian Yao went west."

"Your subordinate knows."

"My mind is a little unclear right now, so just listen to what I say next, but you have to make the final decision."

"Your subordinate understands."

"I don't think Nian Yao will choose to attack Fengxin City, not even if he's crazy, but I don't think Gong Wang and Gongsun Zhi will be able to catch him either."

Zheng Fan got up and walked to the sand table,

"Gong Wang and Gongsun Zhi will definitely choose to go in the direction of supporting Fengxin City to capture him. This is a politically correct consideration."

Regardless of whether Nian Yao heads straight for Fengxin City, these two chief military officers will definitely take the first step to confirm the safety of Fengxin City and its surroundings.

"The burned-down military camp used to store grain, which proves that Nian Yao knows Jin Dong very well. Although the intelligence is a bit outdated, it's not surprising, and his purpose in risking coming over the mountains with only this little force is very clear.

It's to stop our conquest this time."

Zheng Fan rubbed his face hard with both hands,

"Continuing west is also to attract my troops back to support. If I were him, I would definitely stick to the south near the mountains to ensure that I can retreat back into the mountains at any time, and try to avoid being blocked by my army.

Actually, I'm even thinking in my heart that I shouldn't bother with him, and not send troops back, and let him wander around in Jin Dong by himself."

Liang Cheng stood there, listening quietly.

"No…"

Zheng Fan shook his head and said, "Tell me your thoughts first. I can't focus too much on him, otherwise, whether I think positively or negatively, I'll be affected by him."

Liang Cheng nodded and said, "Master, Nian Yao's move is actually very similar to our style in the past."

When starting out in Cuiliu Fort,

When developing in Shengle City,

When starting out in Xuehai Pass,

They all took risks and went deep into enemy territory with a small force.

Finally, a serious plan to "overwhelm people with power" was faced with the former "self".

"The biggest problem now is, when Nian Yao himself appears in Jin, if we follow our original plan, would the main force of the Chu army south of the Wei River dare to take the initiative to send troops across the river to attack Shanggu County without an absolute decision-maker?"

Zheng Fan nodded and said, "This is the problem with our previous strategy. We pay too much attention to the other side's commander's thoughts. Although the other side's commander's personality must be taken into account in the war, but now, when the other side's commander is not at home, our plan is facing a complete failure."

"It's your subordinate's lack of consideration."

"No, it's not your problem. I also thought your strategy was very good at the time and it suits my taste, but the problem now is that the original idea was that we would make the first move, but now Nian Yao has made the first move.

Shanggu County,

Wei River,

The Chu army on the other side,

Next,

What should we do?"

"Master, your subordinate has a guess in his heart."

"Oh?"

Liang Cheng walked to the sand table and said, "In fact, the confrontation between the two armies is like playing chess. It's nothing more than虛虛实实实实虚虚 (xu xu shi shi, shi shi xu xu) (a mix of illusion and reality), predicting each other's predictions.

And the more we want to predict what the other side's commander wants to do, the more the other side will create疑阵 (yi zhen) (illusions) to wrongly guide our judgment.

In some things, we are equal.

This time, we are using the power of Jin Dong itself, the troops, reserves, civilians, etc. are all our own.

It is a huge project to mobilize a country. Chu State should not have mobilized all of its forces. Even if they made preparations in the first place, the Regent would not launch a real national war unless it was absolutely necessary.

That is to say, the cards in our hands and the cards in Nian Yao's hands are actually clear.

Nian Yao's elite mountain army composed of the Shan Yue people is an odd move, but it is within acceptable limits.

We will face problems, and he will face the same problems. We will have the problem of insufficient troops, and the Chu army, which is at a disadvantage in the general trend, will only be more serious.

We can go south at will, whether it is a breakthrough, a detour, or打草谷 (da cao gu) (pillaging the countryside), there is no problem. As for them, like this time, it is actually their limit.

What is the purpose of doing this?"

"A Cheng, I just wanted to jump out, but you're dragging me back in again."

Liang Cheng pointed to Zhennanguan on the sand table, and then went west along the mountains from Zhennanguan;

"He just rushed in regardless, I don't believe that Nian Yao is not afraid of death."

"Didn't I just say..."

"No, Master, when you are trying to eliminate the influence that Nian Yao deliberately caused you, perhaps this may be his purpose. We have to look, we have to look carefully, and we have to look boldly.

Since he has come in, he will find a way to go back, and safely.

Finally,

After going around such a big circle, it can't be for nothing. He has to get a benefit, and this benefit is definitely worth the trip for him."

Zheng Fan's eyes were fixed on the sand table. He believed Liang Cheng's words, he always had. In fact, Liang Cheng's ability to lead troops in battle was really not weaker than Old Tian.

"He wants to go back, it is impossible to turn around, ha..."

Lord Zheng reached out and pointed to Mount Meng.

South of Mount Meng is the territory of the Fan family, and the Fan family has made up their minds to be dogs for the Yan people, which is equivalent to a nail embedded in the territory of Chu State.

"He wants to,拔掉 (ba diao) (remove; eliminate) the Fan family."

Zheng Fan suddenly smiled again, frowning slightly,

And said;

"It's too... unbelievable, he only has these people."

"Master, how many people did we have when we first broke through Mianzhou City?

When we took Xuehai Pass, Gou Moli was probably also incredulous;

When the Regent of Chu State saw our military flag on the city wall, he should also be incredulous.

Your subordinate has been to the Fan family's territory with the princess and the third madam before. Fan Zhengwen is an old fox who may not be proficient in fighting, but is proficient in how to preserve his family's wealth.

The Fan family's city is built relying on Mount Meng and is a system that is easy to defend and difficult to attack;

At the same time, the Fan family's south, Qu Peiluo's gang, has already opened up a huge barrier for the Fan family, which is equivalent to a buffer zone. Once the Chu army wants to attack, the Fan family can get an early warning. Once they hold on for reinforcements, it is really difficult to take down. Not to mention how many people will die and how much time it will take, it is impossible for our Marquis's Mansion to stand idly by. Wasn't the initial task that you arranged for Jin Shu to guard Zhennanguan to arrange a task for him? Once the Chu people are ready to attack the Fan family, Jin Shu can make his own decisions and transfer troops out of Shanggu County to Chu to support."

"A Cheng, I believe in your judgment."

Lord Zheng patted his chest first,

"But I still think it's ridiculous."

"Master, your subordinate thinks that Nian Yao must have a back-up plan in the Mount Meng area. Once he is ready to take action, the Chu State's most proud navy will go directly north along the Jianghe River, one is to meet General Nian, and the other is to contain the Fan family.

Then,

General Nian, with this odd army, and with the back-up plan he prepared, launched a surprise attack from the back of the Fan family, the most loosely defended and the most reassuring Mount Meng...

Master, do you remember that when you and the Pillar of Chu State were fighting fiercely, Jin Shu also brought so few odd soldiers, and finally turned the entire battlefield around."

"Stop, stop, stop, I understand what you're saying, my point is, ha..." Lord Zheng licked his lips, "The more ridiculous things are, the more likely they are to be true in front of high-level players."

"Master is wise."

"Your flattery, like your person, is always so blunt."

"So, what do you think we should do next?"

"Save the Fan family?"

"After all, they are relatives of Xiao Liuzi, we can't just stand by and watch them die," Lord Zheng said.

"There are two ways to save them," Liang Cheng said.

"Let's talk about the one that is destined to be excluded first," Lord Zheng said with a smile.

"In the name of the Marquis's Mansion, send official letters to the imperial court, Yingdu, and the Wangjiang Navy, requesting them to participate in the assistance, and transfer Li Fusheng's unit to Jin Dong for support. Our troops will set up a battle formation on the Wei River to launch a feigned attack. At the same time, we will divide elite troops to go to Mount Meng to meet and support the Fan family."

"What are the disadvantages?" Zheng Fan said.

"The tactic of adding oil, the effect is very slow, and most importantly, after the last war against Chu, the Wangjiang Navy's warships were damaged too much, and it is estimated that they have not recovered now. The chances of winning against the Chu Navy head-on are very low, and we have to rely on the Fan family to create a miracle. Fan Zhengwen commanded properly and held on for reinforcements.

After all, unless Gongsun Zhi can successfully intercept Nian Yao, otherwise, Nian Yao is destined to have the first move, and our response can only be passive step by step."

"Okay, I understand, so I directly rejected this proposal."

"Master is wise."

Lord Zheng shook his head and said, "I don't like putting the hope of a miracle on others. I would rather find a broken lamp myself and wipe it myself. It doesn't matter if there is a spark of a miracle, at least I killed myself, so there is no loss."

"Master is wise."

"Then let's choose the second one."

"Your subordinate obeys!"

"Hey, hey, A Cheng, aren't you afraid that I'm pretending, don't you just say it directly?"

"Your subordinate believes in the master."

"Should I still say it?"

"Master, please."

Zheng Fan reached out and pointed on the sand table, from Shanggu County to the Wei River, and then from the Wei River to the west,

At the same time,

And said:

"In the original deployment, Jin Shu will lead a team of auxiliary soldiers to cross the Wei River to the west to meet with the Fan family.

Now,

Changed;

The original 20,000 troops will become 50,000;

The original feigned attack becomes the main attack;

The original Jin Shu was the commander of this route,

Changed to,

This Marquis leads the army himself;

You are the main general, and Jin Shu and Gou Moli are the deputy generals."

Liang Cheng cupped his hands and said:

"Master is wise."

"He, Nian Yao, seeks speed, and the Shan Yue tribal soldiers are smooth on mountain roads;

Then we also seek speed, the iron hooves drive straight in, ignoring the rear, ignoring the flanks, let's see who is faster!

Since he, Nian Yao, dares to borrow my Jin land's road to enter the Fan family;

Then we will generously borrow his Chu country's road to rescue the Fan family...

No,

I want to block Nian Yao,

To death in Fancheng!"

"This is a big gamble," Liang Cheng reminded, "Once there is a mistake, your subordinate will protect the master's safe return with his life, but the accumulation and essence of our Marquis's Mansion will also be burned."

"Others are bullying us on the head, can we be cowards? General Nian wants to teach me how to fight, although he deliberately angered me, but in his heart, he should really think that I am not worthy to be Old Tian's successor.

Alright,

If I'm not worthy, then I'm not worthy."

"Your subordinate sees that."

"Oh?"

"Maybe it was because A Ming exposed him, or it was deliberate. Originally, Nian Yao's most stable way should have been to continue to move quietly along the mountains. Even if he was discovered, he would not publicize it and rush on his way at full speed.

But he couldn't help it, or didn't want to bear it.

In General Nian's view,

When the opponent is King Jingnan, he will honestly be a shrinking turtle and be beaten;

But when the opponent is you, master, he feels that he can do it, and then, he starts to show off."

"Haha."

Zheng Fan reached out and put his hand on Liang Cheng's shoulder,

Patting,

Not the deliberate showing of kindness to other subordinates in the past, but pure brotherly affection.

"But General Nian, he definitely can't imagine that I was cultivated by Old Tian, but all along, the Marquis of Pingxi, who really commanded the battle, was not the Marquis of Pingxi himself.

King Jingnan is gone in Jin,

But in my Marquis of Pingxi's Mansion,

There is still a King Jingnan!"

…

Several days later,

Gongsun Zhi led his troops to the city of Fengxin. The city of Fengxin was safe and sound, and even its periphery was not attacked by the wandering Chu army.

On the contrary, the city showed great shock at the sudden return of this army that should have been on an expedition.

The city gate was immediately closed.

Seeing this scene, Gongsun Zhi almost vomited blood in depression.

Damn it, did they think I was going to rebel!

However, Gongsun Zhi immediately suppressed these miscellaneous thoughts and led his exhausted subordinates to bypass Fengxin City and continue chasing west.

…

"How many people have died of exhaustion?"

"In response to the general's words, more than two hundred people."

They were not exhausted, but collapsed and could not walk. In order to avoid exposing their whereabouts, they were all killed and their bodies were also disposed of.

Nian Yao licked his lips that were dry and cracked with blood,

And said:

"Heh, sure enough, don't talk about animals or not, the most durable thing in this world is people!

Ahead, the reinforcements are coming, right?"

"In response to the general's words, after Qianwan, we should be able to contact the navy."

"Alright, it's almost there. Tell these animals to cheer up. After they are reinforced by the navy, they can rest on the ship. When they arrive in Fancheng, that is the home of the God of Wealth in Chu. This general will give them plenty of gold, silver, jewels, and beauties!"

"Yes!"

General Nian straightened his chest,

Looked back,

The Yan army that was originally chasing after him had indeed split up and went to Fengxin City, which also reduced a lot of pressure on him.

"Ah~"

General Nian stretched,

Left hand on his hip,

And said:

"Nian Da Turtle, Nian Da Turtle, hehe;

In this world,

Only the King can make me, 老年 (lao nian) (old man) be a servant;

Only King Jingnan can make me, 老年 (lao nian) (old man) be a turtle.

You, surnamed Zheng,

My move,

You didn't expect it, did you?"